Intentional Discipleship Self-Evaluation & Transformation Inventory
Talmidim Assessment
The purpose of this inventory is to assess your present level of satisfaction with your spiritual life, and to
provide a basis to help chart your future transformation. There are a number of thoughts and
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presumptions that underlay this inventory effort to prayerfully consider :
 The Apostle John’s Disciples [Johannine Talmidim] were qualified as such based on three criteria:
o Knowing what they believed—John 8:31-32.
o Being in community and belonging to their faith community—John 13:35.
o Living and behaving in a manner that produced fruit to God—John 15:8.
 Based on this framework, this inventory will help you assess:
o Your understanding of God (belief).
o Your sense of community (love and compassion).
o Your lifestyle/behavior (personal transformation).
 To be transformed is to develop & change in each of these areas of your life. Disciples are
progressively transformed into the image of Christ [Imago Christi] as the Spirit works in the innerman… from the inside out. Discipleship is not merely behavior modification, but a radical internal
transformation where one is ‘born again’ – meaning a new creation. Disciples are not looking to just
be ‘informed’ [knowledge] or ‘conformed’ [behavior] or even to ‘perform’ [works] but rather to be
‘Spiritually transformed’.
 Knowledge, wisdom, and works are desirable, but the heart that knows and loves God desires to be
transformed into the likeness of our Lord Jesus – disciples love Jesus and earnestly look for Him, long
to be like Him, and live to serve Him. “God’s ultimate purpose is that His Son might be exhibited in
me” – Oswald Chambers. [Proverbs 23:12; Ecc 2:26; Hab 2:14; Luke 1:77; John 4:23; Rom 12:1; 1Cor
13; 2Cor 3:17-18]
 God wants you to demonstrate spiritual fruit in your life – every Christian should become ‘fruitier’
with age and maturity, and the fleshly desires should recede in importance. [Galatians 5:18-23]
 Though trials, temptations and suffering will come upon the faithful, God wants you to be fulfilled,
joyous, and have a healthy appetite for pleasure – a transformed nature resounds with peace, joy,
and contentment. [Psalms 118:22-24; Nehemiah 8:9-10; John 15:11; 17:13; 2Corinthians 2:3;
Philippians 2:1-11; 4:11-12]
 Disciples are all about “Being the Church” [e.g.: “substance issues” of lifestyle, nature and character
formation] rather than “Doing church” [e.g.: “form issues” including what, where, when, and how].
 God does not grade on a curve, following Jesus must always be exclusively upon His terms – the
proper goal of the disciple is to be like our master. [Matt 8:18-22; 10:24-25; 18:1-9]
 “The primary goal of spiritual life is human transformation; the first goal of spiritual life is the
reclamation of the human race. The great danger that arises when we don’t experience authentic
transformation is that we settle for what might be called ‘pseudo-transformation’. If we cannot be
transformed, we will settle for being informed or conformed.” – John Ortberg from The Life You’ve
Always Wanted
 “The religious leaders of Jesus’ day so often fought with Him about circumcision, dietary laws, and
the Sabbath because He not only disagreed with them on how to interpret the Law, He was
threatening their very understanding of themselves as the people of God. The great irony of His day:
the righteous were more damaged by their righteousness than the sinners were by their sin.” – John
Ortberg from The Life You’ve Always Wanted
 “It is much easier to do something [works] than to trust God [belief]; we see the [need for] activity
and mistake panic for inspiration. That is why we see so few fellow workers with God, yet so many
people working for God. We would much rather work for God than believe in Him. Do I really believe
that God will do in me what I cannot do?” – Oswald Chambers
 Definition of discipleship: “An individual being progressively transformed into the character and
likeness of Jesus. This transformation is a process that involves both mind and heart, and results in
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This inventory is a joint project of Jeff Garner DMin, and John Broersma MSMin
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Intentional Discipleship Self-Evaluation & Transformation Inventory
the crucifixion of the sin nature, the deliberate submersion of the self in Christ, and living evidence of
spiritual fruit [Gal 5:19-23]. Disciples are Spirit dependent, reproducing, and fully committed
followers of Jesus Christ who live life in community where expectations, responsibilities, and hope are
defined and experienced.” Individual discipleship contains components of vertical relational
interaction – between the disciple and God, and horizontal relational interaction – between disciples
within community in the church and outreach into the community at large.
To be “Intentional in our Discipleship” means to have a definite purpose, objective or goal in mind
when planning and ordering our thoughts and actions before God. It is the opposite of being
unplanned or accidental, and this approach is in harmony with Jesus’ call to “count the cost” of
discipleship.
Finally, the assessment below is not for bragging or boasting rights. It is for your use alone and the
Spiritual Coach or Mentor you have chosen. You may or may not want to share this information with
others within the group unless you have a trusted friend you could help you remain focused and
accountable. The notion behind this questionnaire is to find out where you are now. We all need a
baseline chart to develop a measurable course and as a confirmation of progress which is always
incremental. Some of these are more personal questions, and you are encouraged to be prudent
with what you disclose to others you are uncomfortable with. But please, find someone you can trust
who will help keep you on target and act as a sounding board and Spiritual guide helping you find
your way and resolving obstacles.


A.
Assessment of Spiritual Disciplines
1.
In addition to the weekend worship service I devote, on average, the following hours to my weekly spiritual
5+hrs
3-4hrs
1-2hrs
1 hr
none
growth:
O
O
O
O
O
yes
half of it
parts of it
none
I have read the entire Bible: O
O
O
O
21+ day
7+ days
3 days
1 day
none
I have been on an extended fast: O
O
O
O
O
2+hrs
1 hrs
30min
15min
none
My average daily time of prayer is: O
O
O
O
O
What is the most time you have spent time in solitude:_________________________
Have you ever spent a night in prayer—an all-night prayer retreat: _____________________
monthly
bi-monthly
quarterly
yearly
I share Jesus and/or my faith community with unbelievers. O
O
O
O
exciting
enjoyable
ok
a fight
drudgery
What word best describes your walk with the Lord:
O
O
O O
O
Color in the appropriate circle
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Legend: 1. All the time.
2. Most Often 3. Often
4. Occasionally. 5. Never.
1
2
3
4
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
My ethics [Honesty and Reliability] shows others what following Jesus looks like. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I trust God for/with my finances by wise stewardship. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I have a daily devotional life with God including prayer and Scripture reading. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I read my Bible other than at church: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I volunteer and serve in a ministry: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I attend weekly worship services: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I memorize Scripture: O O O O O
B.
Spiritual/Emotional Health
Legend: 1. All the time.
5
2
2. Most Often 3. Often
4. Occasionally. 5. Never.
1
2
3
4
5
16. I am certain of my salvation:
O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
17. I am confident that God accepts me—as I am: O O O O O
18. Which adage best describes your perspective on God and life:
a. God helps those who help themselves
0
b. We don’t get good to get God; we get God to get good.
0
c. I am confident of my identity as a child of the Kingdom
.
0
19. I am willing to explore previously unknown or unacceptable parts of myself, allowing the Spirit to more fully
1
2
3
4
5
expose and transform me. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
20. I can share freely about my emotions, sexuality, hurts, and joys: O O O O O
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Some of this section is developed from The Emotional Healthy Church, Paul Scarozzo
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Intentional Discipleship Self-Evaluation & Transformation Inventory
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2
21. I am able to experience and deal with anger in ways that help and not hurt me and others:
O O
3
4
5
O O O
1
2
22. I resolve conflict in a clear, direct, or respectful way and not in put-downs, avoidance, or gossip:
O O
3
4
5
O O O
1
2
3
4
5
23. I am able to thank God for all my past life experiences: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
24. I take responsibility and blame for my past rather than blaming it on others:
O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
25. I don’t need approval from others to feel good about myself: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
26. I am able to speak freely about my failures, weaknesses and mistakes: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
27. I am rarely judgmental or critical of others: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
28. Those close to me say I am good about balancing work, play, family, and worship: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
29. People close to me would say I am a responsive listener: O O O O O
30. I LOVE other people in practical ways (i.e., engage and interact with those I hardly know in a kind and loving
manner, visit people in need, I am observant and notice when someone is hurting and lovingly encourage them)
1
2
3
4
5
:O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
31. I ENJOY life consistently in a godly manner:
O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
32. I CELEBRATE other believer’s accomplishments and successes in God. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
33. My closest friends/family say that I am patient. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
34. My closest friends/family say that I am joyful. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
35. My closest friends/family say that I am peaceful O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
36. My closest friends/family say that I am disciplined and self-controlled. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
37. My closest friends/family say that I have a good and gentle heart. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
38. I trust God with my relationships, and love those close to me as Christ loved me. O O O O O
39. I am convinced that EVERYTHING in my life (i.e. especially negatives such as job layoffs, denial of promotion,
illness or disease, opposition to my wants) is allowed by God to bring about his purpose, glory and will in my life
1
2
3
4
5
and through my life.
O O O O O
C. Assessment of Bible Comprehension. Complete this from memory only (no Bible, notes, books, internet).
1. The first five books of the Bible are written by whom and to whom?
2. Torah is the Hebrew word for what?
3. How many books are in the Bible?
a. Old Testament ___
b. New Testament ___
4. What is the Canon?
5. Everything said in Scripture is unequivocally God’s Word to be literally applied to our lives? Y___ N___ Why?
[Hint… the Bible as God’s Self Revelation is ‘infallible’ or ‘Inerrant’]
6.
How does the biblical apocalyptic genre differ from historical narrative?
7.
Were all the writers of Scripture Jewish? If not, list the ones who weren’t.
8.
9.
What language(s) was the Bible written in?
The Bible is (circle all that apply)
a. Inspired of God
b. Infallible
c. Inerrant
d. In all of its translations
e. In only the original writings
10. Is the King James Version Translation the only “inspired” translation? _______ Are other “translations”
inspired? _______ Why do you like one rather than another?_________________________________
11. Genesis is written to tell us about (circle one):
a. God and creation
b. Origin of sin
c. Story of Abraham and his family
d. God’s story of redemption
e. All of the above
12. Who was Melchezidek?
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13.
14.
15.
16.
a. A local king
b. A pagan priest
c. A prophet king
d. What was his significance?_____________________________________________________________
How old was Abraham when he had his first child?
Which character takes up more chapters of Genesis than any other?
What did God consistently require of all the patriarchs, kings, judges, sages, and dreamers if they were to follow
him?
List as many heroes and heroines from the book of Genesis that you can:
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
How many years expired between Adam and Abraham? __________
How many years expired between Abraham and Jesus?___________
How many years expired between Jesus and us? ____________
The story of Job happened during what time period?
Israel, made up of 12 tribes, which one was the Priestly tribe:_____ Which one the kingly tribe? ______
Which one vanished and exists no more? _______
22. Who is the first martyr in Scripture?________________
23. List four judges of Israel (3 men and 1 woman):
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
List the three greatest leaders of Israel:
List the three greatest prophets to Israel:
What prophet was a farmer?
What prophet was a statesman?
What prophet came from a disenfranchised priestly family?
What prophet married a prostitute?
The following are fields of study within theology, define them:
a. Eschatology:
b. Soteriology:
c. Pneumatology:
d. Christology:
e. Ecclesiology:
f. Angelology:
g. Apologetics:
h. Exegesis
i.
Theology Proper:
j.
Hamartology
k. Anthropology:
l.
Hermeneutics:
m. Allegorical vs Historical/grammatical interpretation:
31. In as brief a sentence as possible indicate what the following theological terms mean:
a. Redemption
b. Justification
c. General Revelation
d. Atonement
e. Total depravity
f. Predestination
g. Regeneration
h. Holiness
i.
Sanctification
j.
Imago Dei
e
k. Sh ma
l.
Theodicy
m. Tetragrammaton:
n. LXX:
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32. What did Jesus talk about with Elijah and Moses on the Transfiguration Mountain?
33. Which statement best expresses the truth, “The Bible is a book of:”
a. God revealing all of himself
b. God revealing salvation
c. God revealing his entire will and word
d. God’s Self Revelation and redemptive plan
34. Did Jesus claim to be God (if so where?)?
35. List as many aspects of God’s nature and character as you can:
36. The Apostles had a common faith, common experience, and common response of obedience… cite which books
in Scripture this is described.
37. Was Jesus mostly man, mostly God, or perfectly both? Why does it matter?
38. How is man justified before God?
39. How does my Christian identify (become one) with Jesus Christ?
40. How does mankind follow Jesus Christ?
41. How does mankind restore the life that was abandoned in Eden’s Conspiracy?
42. Briefly note what God says about the following issues: are you competent with God’s perspective to lovingly
discuss these topics with others without condemnation?
a. Homosexuality
b. Women in ministry
c. Divorce
d. Stem-cell research
e. Iraq War
f. Polygamy
g. Environmentalism
h. Abortion
Which of these do you struggle more with to communicate without judgment? Why?
43. Have you personally worked out your faith as what you believe?
Do you rely on imparted knowledge/theology provided by another?
Why is it important to work this out for yourself?
44. The book of Revelation was written to reveal to us end-time events (true/false)? Explain:
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D. Assess Lifestyle and Behavior
Legend: 1. All the time.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
2. Most Often 3. Often
4. Occasionally. 5. Never.
It is clear to me that my time, talent, treasure are completely at God’s disposal and are not mine but his.
1
2
3
4
5
O O O O O
I seek God’s will through prayer for major purchases/contracts (car, house, lease, rent, job)
1
2
3
4
5
O O O O O
I seek God’s will through prayer for major changes in career, marriage, church, relocation, etc.
1
2
3
4
5
O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I consistently OBEY Jesus’ Teachings from the sermon on the mount: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I control my thought life: O O O O O
What is the biblical order for priorities in our life—place the number beside the word—God__ Ministry__
Family__ Self__
I have some bad habits in my life that I want deliverance from: (yes/no)___________ If so, with whom to you
confess or remain accountable to in regards to these habits?
E. Assess Ministry Discovery/Development, Purpose in life and Mission
Legend: 1. All the time.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
2. Most Often 3. Often
4. Occasionally. 5. Never.
1
2
3
4
5
I am confident in who I am in Christ:
O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I know what my ministry and gifts in the body of Christ are: O O O O O
I feel confident in who God has called me to be and do not feel pressure to be like someone else to be valuable
1
2
3
4
5
and worthwhile in God’s Kingdom. O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I have developed my ministry and honed my calling through study and research: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I understand that I am a disciple of Jesus called of God: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I know the voice of God: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I know what my gift of the Spirit is: O O O O O
1
2
3
4
5
I have experience miracles, visions, or dreams from God: O O O O O
3
E. Miscellaneous Questions [10 meaning greatest, 1 meaning least]
1. “The scriptures picture the church as full of proactive ministers [10]; the reality is that a majority of church
members are passive recipients [1].” Are you more a proactive or a receiver?
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
2. “The scriptures picture followers of Jesus as engaged in a disciplined way of life; the reality is that a small
percentage of believers invests in spiritual growth practices.” Does your life display disciplined/regular habits
[10] or undisciplined/occasional habits [1]?
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
3.
4.
5.
“The scriptures picture discipleship as affecting all spheres of life; the reality is that many believers have
relegated faith to the personal, private realm. The dividing line is not between sacred and secular but between
the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.” Do you think and act more in terms of building God’s
Kingdom [10] or about secular issues [1]?
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
“The scriptures picture the Christian community as a countercultural force; the reality is that we see isolated
individuals whose lifestyle and values are not much different from those of the unchurched.” Do people see
yourself as different – are you consciously ‘salt and light’ in your daily life [10] or more of a ‘secular humanist’
[1]?
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
“The scriptures picture the church as an essential, chosen organism in whom Christ dwells; the reality is that
people view the church as an optional institution, unnecessary for discipleship.” Have you entered into a
covenantal relationship with Jesus and His Church [10] or are you more in favor of a private expression of faith
[1]?
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
3
1st Seven Questions from Ogden, Greg; 2003. Transforming Discipleship. InterVarsity Press, Downers
Grove. The last six come from John M. Broersma.
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Intentional Discipleship Self-Evaluation & Transformation Inventory
__________________________________________________________________
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
“The scriptures picture believers as biblically informed people whose lives are founded on revealed truth; the
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reality is that most believers are biblically ignorant people whose lives are a syncretistic compromise.” How
comfortable are you with compromise with the worldly ways [1] or holding determinedly onto Christian values
[10]?
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
“The scriptures picture all believers as those who share the story of their faith in Christ with others; the reality is
we are an intimidated people who shrink from personal witness.” Do you look for opportunities to talk about
your faith [10] or do you wait for others to broach the subject of faith [1]?
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
In considering the cost of biblical discipleship, I am willing to answer Jesus radical call to “follow Me.”
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
When I consider my love for Jesus I can honestly say that it is continually growing as I am maturing as a disciple.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
I would say that I often have rich and satisfying experiences of worship and praise where I sense the Holy Spirit’s
presence.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
I would say that obedience and trust are a part of the relational intimacy I enjoy with God; though I sin more
than I would care to admit I can honestly say that trust is becoming easier and obedience less of a burden as I am
maturing as a disciple.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
When I pray and read scripture I sense God’s Spirit at work searching out my heart, and bringing conviction and
healing – I know He is transforming me from the inside out.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
When I contemplate my life and the level of commitment I have made for God’s Kingdom, I can honestly say I
have done my best and look forward to hear my Lord tell me “Well done good and faithful servant!”
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
__________________________________________________________________
4
Syncretistic thought or Syncretism is a confused blending of secular/profane and Christian/sacred
theology/teachings/values it is not wholly Christian.
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